Leaf spring thought

[Nissanclay]

I need to get some new leafs for the rear of the Frontier. It sits about 2" lower in the back.

I've thought about converting the rear to the Chevy 63's with the ruffstuff kit, but I have to either do a set of blocks with them or something to the 63's to get a little more height (custom pack/AAL) because I don't think alone they will give enough lift. They didn't lift the rear of a spring over X very much and mine was spring over stock.

My other thought is doing a set of Trail Gear front packs. They are decently priced at $280 and could get 3", 4" or 5" packs. The only issue there is what how much does a height does a set of front 3/4/5" Toyota pack give on a the rear of a Nissan Frontier? Also, the Nissan springs are 47 5/8" and the trail gear is 47" long. But I don't think 5/8" is a huge deal.

My budget it around $300 and if I can get the stock 63" and the ruffstuff kit to work then its well under that (with the exception of a day or two of work) and I get the added clearance from the new hangers. The Trail gear springs would use the stock hangers and would only take a few hours to install.

Thoughts from anyone or a better option I'm missing?

[Nissanclay]

http://www.trail-gear.com/leaf-springs

Nissan springs - 22" front to center bolt and 25 5/8" center bolt to rear.
Trail gear springs - 22" front to center bolt and 25" center bolt to rear.

[penski61]

you could probably get 2 sets of 63's for $75 at the jy then tear apart the packs and piece them together to get you more lift

when i was running 63's i think i had 5 leafs per pack

the downside to 63's is you hit everything with them on departure

[Nissanclay]

With shipping the HD version are right at $300.

http://www.addictedoffroad.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46&products_id=111

[Nissanclay]

Just got a quote back from Alcan. The are $263 each for a custom spring pack shipped to Denver. While I would love a custom pack, they are a bit out of my price range.

Been looking more into the 63" conversion. I've read that pro comp makes a 2" lift pack or even run some small blocks that would run the entire length of the ruff stuff spring perch.

[cameron_garrison]

look at getting the rear leafs from an x there a bit longer and with less weight in the back theyd work good sprung over unlike the x's were they sag after a short while thats what i was going to use on my truck before i sold it

[Chainsaw]

Some suburbans have 60" leafs. I found that to be a great length to get more flex as well as being not to long. I ended up carefully cutting the fron hangers off and shortening/moving them forward. Then a small block welded to the frame to space the shackles down + slighty longer shackles (needed different ones for the chevys anyway) and the back end was lifted just right. Just a thought. Cheers.

[Nissanclay]

I'm holding of on the 63" conversion or Alcan pack and I ordered the Rancho RS44044 leaf springs from Amazon for $170ish a piece. I installed them today and I'm mostly happy with them.

Setting on the ground, the 44044's were only about 3/4 inch shorter then the stock pack I had. This little difference put the shackle angle completely vertical but hopefully when they settle it will be a little bit better. Also, the tire still needs to move back a little (I'll adjust them in the Ruff Stuff perches). They did raise the rear of the truck higher then the front but hopefully after they settle, it will sit level. If not I might look into some small lift blocks or 6" shackles instead of 4".

Other than that, the rs44044 are a good relatively inexpensive way to get some good height in the rear of the Frontier's. Amazon shipped them for free so they were just a little under $350 total. The truck rides a lot nicer then it did with the franken pack and I'll get to see how they flex in 2 months at goneMOAB. I'll post a few pics in a day or two when I have a chance to take some pictures. I may turn this into its own thread to help other down the road.

Next up before Gone? A new Spec Clutch, I'll post some pics and review on both the springs and clutch after Moab.